Google Photos AI-powered ‘Ask Photos’ feature rolling out to select users

Google rolls out 'Ask Photos' feature in US to only those who had signed up for waitlist

Tech Desk - Oct 06, 2024

An undated image of Google Photos logo. — DepositPhotos

Google Photos has started to roll out the artificial intelligence-powered “Ask Photos” feature to select users in the United States.

Announced at the Google I/O 2024, the “Ask Photos” is powered by Google Gemini. It is a server-side update and is available on both Android and iOS devices.

What is “Ask Photos” feature?

Google opened a waitlist for access in early September and is now rolling out this feature to those who had signed up for the waitlist.

The “Ask Photos” feature replaces the “Search” tab. However, users who gain access will find it as a new tab along the bottom bar of the Google Photos.

The feature allows users natural-language interactions with their Google Photos library and also uses location data to refine its searches.

For instance, users can give it more complex prompts, such as asking when your child graduated from high school. Using AI, the feature will interpret and respond to these queries and come up with related photos and videos.

Reportedly, the feature suggests better results regarding people and places; however, when asked about specific events or objects, it might come with less accurate results.

Notably, with the rollout of the iOS 18.1 update, Apple is also introducing a similar Apple Intelligence feature within its native Photos app.

The feature is exclusive to users in the US. However, others can still sign up for the waitlist to avail of this feature when it rolls out in more regions.